The Loire was passed above Orleans, and as that city, Blois, and Tours all lay on the northern bank, they met with no large towns on their way, until they approached Chatellerault.

They bore to the south to avoid that city and Poitiers and, on the eighth day after leaving Paris, they reached the chateau of Laville, having travelled upwards of two hundred miles.
As they crossed the drawbridge, Philip's four retainers met them at the gate, and greeted him most warmly.
"Is the countess in ?" he asked, as he alighted.
"She is, Monsieur Philip.

She has been for some days at La Rochelle, and returned yesterday.

There are rumours, sir, that at Poitiers and Niort the Catholics have again, in spite of the edicts, fallen upon the Huguenots; and though the countess believes not the tale, we had a guard posted at the gate last night." "I am afraid it is true, Eustace," Philip said.

"Take the horses round to the stables, and see to them well.